Health

Therapeutic uses of botulinum toxin

Article Abstract:

Botulism is a highly fatal type of food poisoning caused by Clostridium botulinum, an organism that grows in environments devoid of oxygen (anaerobic). There are seven types, but only A, B, and E are harmful to humans. Type A is one of the most lethal biologic toxins known, but it has proven useful in treating eye problems, facial-nerve, and other neurologic disorders. The mechanisms of action of botulinum toxin are described, as well as its therapeutic use. Botulinum toxin corrects strabismus (misalignment of the eyes caused by weak muscles on one side), and has been found successful in 85 percent of cases at long-term follow-up. Neurological problems related to muscular contractions, spasms, and involuntary movements (dystonias) can all be treated with botulinum. Blepharospasm (involuntary closure of the eyes, sometimes involving other facial, throat and neck muscles) can be treated with a high degree of success with botulinum. Botulinum provides relief for most patients with spasmodic torticollis, (involuntary head movements or abnormal postures), oromandibular dystonia (involuntary movements of the chewing, lower facial, and tongue muscles), laryngeal dystonia (larynx muscle spasms which make speech difficult), other disorders of movement, tremors, and hemifacial spasm (twitching or contraction of the muscles of one side of the face). It is also useful for occupational cramps, such as writer's cramp. Other potential uses for botulinum are in the relief of spasticity in multiple sclerosis or other disorders, tics, and other hyperkinetic movement disorders. It may also improve bladder function among patients with spinal cord injury. More controlled studies are needed to establish the safety and effectiveness of botulinum for a variety of uses. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

One man's poison -- clinical applications of botulinum toxin

Article Abstract:

Intramuscular injection of dilute botulinum toxin rapidly paralyzes muscles and is widely used to treat spastic and over-contracted muscles. The toxin, produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, prevents presynaptic neurons from releasing acetylcholine, thereby paralyzing the postsynaptic muscle. Botulinum toxin is used to treat eyelid spasm, facial spasms, spastic limb muscles in cerebral palsy, anal fissures, facial wrinkles, spasmodic dysphonia, and other conditions. About 10% of patients develop antibodies to the toxin, preventing continued use. Botulinum toxin A works for about three months, then reinjection is necessary. Researchers are investigating other forms of the toxin to find paralyzing agents with a more persistent effect.

Botulinum toxin A for axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)

Article Abstract:

Injecting botulinum toxin A into the armpits may be an effective treating for excessive sweating, according to a study of 145 patients. The toxin substantially reduced the amount of sweat compared to a placebo, or inactive substance, and a single injection lasted six months.